News, opinion and commentary

As telephones multiply, dialing will take longer

Article Abstract:

With the proliferation of communications devices, there are fewer telephone numbers available. Only three unallocated area codes remain - 210, 810 and 910 - and there are doubts whether these are enough to cope with the demand until 1995, when a new numbering plan will take effect. Bellcore, the industry research group that allocates phone numbers in North America, is proposing the numbering plan to allow area codes that do not have a '0' or '1' middle digit to be created. The current telephone switching system uses the middle digit to determine whether a long distance call is being placed. The Bellcore plan, which involves reprogramming all of the country's telephone switches, will create interchangeable and even overlapping area codes. It also recommends a standard 11-digit dialing sequence nationwide. Some industry analysts criticize the plan as potentially confusing to users. Alternative solutions that have been proposed include one that would shift to four-digit area codes and another that would increase the local dialing sequence to eight digits, rather than seven.

Author: Markoff, John

Publisher:The New York Times CompanyPublication Name:The New York TimesSubject:News, opinion and commentaryISSN:0362-4331Year:1991

Telecommunications giants think smaller

Article Abstract:

Telecommunications firms worldwide are scaling back acquisitions and spinoffs. Many have seen share price decline as investors moved money out of technology issues this year. Then auctions in Europe for next generation wireless services licenses bid up prices to high levels. As telecoms amortize these and other capital expenses over the next few years, their net income will decline. Already carrying large amounts of debt, companies will have to be more selective about what gets funded, until investors regain their confidence in the sector's near term prospects.

Author: Kapner, Suzanne

Publisher:The New York Times CompanyPublication Name:The New York TimesSubject:News, opinion and commentaryISSN:0362-4331Year:2000

Ericsson sees quarter loss, company's first in 9 years

Article Abstract:

After losing $1.7 billion last year, LM Ericsson surprised no one by announcing a first quarter loss. Rivals Motorola and Nokia are also warning of losses in a glum telecommunications market that seems to be getting worse. Ericsson blames the U.S. economic lag and slowing European demand.

Author: Kapner, Suzanne

Publisher:The New York Times CompanyPublication Name:The New York TimesSubject:News, opinion and commentaryISSN:0362-4331Year:2001